Ethiopian PM, S. Sudanese delegation discuss election, CPA

By Tesfa Alem Tekle

Apr 15,2010(ADDIS ABABA) – A southern Sudanese delegation led by presidential affairs minister Dr. Luka Biong on Wednesday meets Ethiopian prime minister, Meles Zenawi in Addis Ababa to discuss on major political concerns heating Africa’s largest nation.

Following the meeting with Meles, who is current IGAD chairman, the southern Sudanese delegation briefed the premier the election in Sudan on the process of referendum due to be held in 2011.

The two sides have also exchanged views on the status of the comprehensive peace agreement (CPA) and IGAD resolution set toward it.

Dr. Luka Biong hailed Ethiopia’s commitment to bring lasting solution to peace and stability in Sudan further calling on the Ethiopian government to continue the positive and tremendous efforts.

PM Meles zenawi to his side reaffirmed his government’s support and commitment toward realizing peace and stability in Sudan and in the region as a whole. He assured Dr. Luka Biong that, his country will continue to step up all the necessary supports in the years to come.

In a recent IGAD summit in Nairobi, member states have set new directions and agreed to extend full support to bring lasting solution to Sudan’s political problems.

The chairman, PM Meles Zenawi, then noted that, despite a relative progress achieved after peace accord was signed some components of the CPA are waiting for implementation and member states have the diplomatic responsibility in handling to the challenges facing along the way, although the decision making remains within the hands of the two key signatory parties, NCP and SPLM.

In 2005, the two key parties in North and south Sudan signed a historic comprehensive peace agreement which ended Africa’s longest civil war.

(ST)